pertinence

[ pur-tn-uhns ]

noun

1. the fact or quality of being directly and significantly related to the matter at hand; relevance:

   The sheer quantity of health information on the Internet makes it challenging for users to judge the pertinence, credibility, and applicability of what is retrieved.

Other Words From

• non·per·ti·nence noun
• non·per·ti·nen·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pertinence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, for an earlier sense; pertin(ent) ( def ) + -ence ( def )

Example Sentences

The Reds' failed bid four years ago will be of most pertinence to the Gunners, given it was Manchester City, Arsenal's closest title rivals, who overhauled them.

From BBC

No one is questioning the legality or pertinence of allowing divergent viewpoints.

From Washington Times

The history of the previous century, however, teaches the pertinence of a nation’s internal dynamics to its external behavior.

From Washington Post

During these episodes players are given a small range of questions to choose from and are graded at the end of the interrogation on the pertinence of their choices.

From Washington Post

It’s arrived nearly a year late in her hometown, but her disquieted art has only grown in pertinence and power.

From New York Times